The Graham Weekly Album Review #1464

The commercal success of female jazz-based vocalists like Diana Krall, and jazz
influenced singers like Norah Jones has unleased a torrent of CD releases by
such artists. It seems that there are at least as many jazz releases by women
singers as instrumental recordings in a mainly instrumental art-form. While
many such releases cover the same musical ground as jazz singers of the past,
there are some interesting and creative recordings being released by artists
who break out of the standard jazz singer form. Cassandra Wilson, a long-time
mainstream jazz singer, and Lizz Wright who approached the genre from a more
pop direction are two examples of artists who have made distinctive recordings
by borrowing elements from rock, folk, and blues, as well as jazz.

The latest example of a similarly eclectic and engaging recording is the debut
by a Canadian singer and songwriter named Kellylee Evans, whose CD is called
Fight or Flight?

Kellylee Evans was born in Toronto to immigrant parents from Jamaica. She did
her first solo vocal performance in kindergarten, and was involved with singing
throughout school, including performing with the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth
Choir. But her academic pursuits were initially in a different direction. She
attended Carleton University working toward a law degree. She also took night
and summer classes to get second degree in English Literature. Her plan was to
go for a PhD, like her father, but by then, playing in jazz groups in college,
music tugged at her to where she dropped out halfway toward her master's and
worked at music full-time.

At that time, in 2002, she had almost died of an allergic reaction, and was
still feeling the loss of her mother who had passed away before that. So she
decided that she would focus on what she says was most important to her, her
music. The experiences also inspired her to write songs, some
autobiographical.

Ms. Evans began to attract the attention of some more established musicians,
and then in 2004 won second place in annual Thelonious Monk jazz competition,
in the vocal category, whose judges included Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau. In
2005 she began work on a recording with bassist and producer Carlos Henderson
and laid down two songs. Then, hooking up with jazz bassist Lonnie Plaxico, she
went to New York and recorded the other 10 songs on her debut in the space of
two days.

The result is a pleasing and often fascinating recording that deftly evades
category. She definitely has the delivery of a fine jazz singer -- her rich
voice is relaxed but shows remarkable control and depth. The musical backing
ranges from a kind of light rumba to folky to a bit of mainstream jazz to hints
of airy funk. The music is all original, and her compositions are also
first-rate.

She is joined by a somewhat variable group that includes one set of personnel
on the first two tracks which were recorded in 2004, including bassist Carlos
Henderson, guitarist Carl Burnett and keyboard man Jon Cowherd; and different
supporting musicians elsewhere, including bassist Lonnie Plaxico, keyboard man
George Colligan, from Ravi Coltrane's band, guitarist Martin Sewell and drummer
Steve Hass, among others. The sound is mainly acoustic, though there is one
bluesy electric track. Each tune has some interesting stylistic element. The CD
has a fair amount of Latin American influence, with some rumba and maybe a bit
of tango. Her songs most deal mostly with love in one form or another, from
being madly in love with someone to trying to cut off a relationship.

Leading off is one of two versions of a song called What About Me? It's
about an adulterous relationship by a man that leads to a pregnancy. Despite
the heavy lyrical topic, musically, it's got a very attractive, easy-going
sound, with a hint of the plaintive mood of the lyrics. <<>>

Also from the earlier sessions from 2004 is Lead Me Closer, a more
positive love song. <<>>

Taking the opposite approach lyrically is I Don't Think I Want You to Love
Me. It shows some of the Latin American influence that permeates a lot of
this CD. <<>>

With even more of a Latin touch is the title song Fight or Flight? (Help Me
Help You). The lyrics express the ambivalence of the title.
<<>>

Definitely taking a bluesy direction is I Don't Want to Know. Martin
Sewell plays the electric guitar that hints of old Chicago blues recording,
though otherwise it's something of a torch song. <<>>

Ms. Evans says that Rapunzel may be a bit autobiographical. About she
track, she says, "It's a song for the girl in society who feels she will never
live up to the ideal." It also continues with the Latin influence, in this case
with a bit of tango. There is some accordion played by Rachelle Garniez.
<<>>

There is one song that more resembles a mainstream jazz ballad. The piano-based
trio accompaniment lends that kind of sound to How Can You get Along Without
Me? <<>>

With a bit of funk and soul influence is Who Knows. Though Ms. Evans'
vocal is up to her high standards, the track does not really gel as well
musically. <<>>

The CD ends with an alternate version of the opening song What About Me,
also with a kind of light funk backing. The first version is definitely better.
<<>>

Kellylee Evans new CD Fight of Flight? is an impressive debut recording
by another jazz-based singer who ventures into more eclectic material. And
unlike most of the others, she is also a songwriter, having penned all the
compositions on this CD. Her voice is virtually luminous, and for the most
part, the stylistically diverse musical backing adds much to the CD and sets it
apart from other chanteuse albums. It's all the more notable being that
it's her first recording.

Sonically, the CD gets about a B-plus grade from me. There is some heavy-handed
volume compression to the point that there is a bit of distortion on Ms. Evans'
vocal on some of the tracks, though the first two pieces, recorded at the
earlier session in 2004 are better. The later session also lacks some of the
intimacy of the early tracks.

With no shortage of chanteuse style and jazz so-called "songbird"
albums, it takes something to stand out. Kellylee Evans does that on her CD,
emerging as a fully formed singer and songwriter of considerable talent and
abilities. She has a bright future ahead of her.

(c) Copyright 2006 George D. Graham. All rights reseved.This review may not be copied to another Web site without written permission.